Although Scripture is silent about the grandparents of Jesus, tradition tells us that Saints Anne and Joachim were married for many years before God blessed them with a child. During those years, they fasted, prayed and wept, mourning the child that would not come.

They never gave up, though, and finally, when both were well past normal child-bearing age, God gave them their miracle: the Blessed Virgin Mary. When that child came into the world, Saints Anne and Joachim saw an even more wondrous answer to their prayers. Not just a grandchild, but a Savior Who was God Himself, Jesus Christ.

On July 26, the Church will honor these holy grandparents for their prayers, their trust, and most of all for the foundation of faith they laid in the Blessed Virgin Mary’s life. Along with the Dominican Friars, we invite you to celebrate this important feast with a special Novena of Masses at The Rosary Shrine of Saint Jude, beginning on July 18 and concluding on July 26.